Attleboro extends water supply emergency through May 2025
Nov 25, 2024
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — Attleboro officials announced Monday that the recently declared Water Supply Emergency will remain in effect well into next year.
The declaration will last through May 14, 2025, and could extend beyond that "depending upon the amount of precipitation received in upcoming weeks or months."
As part of the emergency, the city is continuing its mandatory ban on non-essential outdoor water use, including lawn watering, power washing, car washing, and pool filling.
Exceptions include water use necessary for public health and safety, regulatory compliance, or essential business operations.
"Although recent rains have helped a little, we need a substantial amount of rain to replenish our water supply and get it back to where it needs to be," Mayor Cathleen DeSimone said. "It is important for everyone in the Attleboro community to understand that, in the absence of heavy rainfall, it will take months to recover from this drought."
More Information: Attleboro water restrictions
Attleboro Water Superintendent Kourtney Allen told 12 News that the reservoir at Manchester Pond is at its lowest level in 40 years.
On Nov. 19, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared a water supply emergency for the city. Allen said this declaration allows Attleboro to expedite its interconnection line with Mansfield, which will supply 250 to 500 gallons of water daily.
Additionally, the city expects to finalize an interconnection with Pawtucket by early December. That connection will provide up to 1 million gallons daily for approximately $35,000 a week.
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Attleboro is also working to reestablish groundwater wells and plans to dredge some reservoirs to increase storage capacity.
“We have been planning to dredge for a while and hope to begin that work in 2025," Allen explained. "Increasing our water storage capacity and adding additional sources of water like groundwater wells will help make our water supply system more resilient in times of drought."
DeSimone urged residents to take simple steps to conserve water, such as turning off faucets while washing hands, brushing teeth, or doing dishes.
"We can save thousands of gallons of water every day," DeSimone said. "We are in a serious situation, and we all need to do our part to conserve water."
‘It’s not over’: Attleboro mayor urges residents to keep conserving water
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